6o 



AGRICULTURE 



twig has this nourishment to help it make roots and growth of 

 its own. 



As you learned, the white potato is an underground stem. 

 When we cut and plant potatoes for seed, we use a method of 

 reproduction by cutting, just as when we make a cutting from 

 the above-ground stem of the grape. 



For some plants, such as geraniums, we use 

 green cuttings, that is, cuttings taken from the 

 plant during its season of growth. At least half 

 the leaves are removed, some being left to pre- 

 pare plant food. 



Grafting. Grafting, also, is a method of re- 

 production by means of buds. In this case, 

 however, instead of being grown in soil, the 

 young plant is grown on the stem or root of 

 another plant. Grafting has several advantages 

 in the case of plants to which it is adapted. In 

 the first place, it gives the new plant the benefit 

 of a root system already established. In the 

 A coieus leaf cutting, second place, it has been found that certain 

 plants are more vigorous and productive on 

 other roots than on their own. In the third place, grafting can 

 be used to modify habits of growth. A pear tree on a quince 

 root is smaller, matures earlier, and is more productive than a 

 pear tree on a pear root. 



Grafting is done by inserting a twig of the desired variety on 

 the root or stem of another. The plant food passes from the cam- 

 bium of one to the other, and finally the two grow into one. 

 Methods of grafting are described more fully in connection with 

 orchard fruits, for which they are much used. 



Budding. Budding is a method of grafting where, instead 



